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Ensemble Therapeutics and Novartis will collaborate in the development of Ensemble's investigational inhibitors of the interleukin-17 protein, a target for several autoimmune disorders. The firms also will use Ensemble's drug discovery technology to co-develop small molecule drugs against targets chosen by Novartis. The deal includes upfront and milestone fees plus sales royalties.

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The Crops Research Institute in Ghana is working on biotech cotton, sweet potato with high protein content, and rice that is salt-resistant and efficient in its use of water and nitrogen. The Savanna Agricultural Research Institute is developing a biotech cowpea. The cotton and rice varieties are being tested in field trials.

Sorrento Therapeutics secured rights to use Lonza's GS Xceed expression system to generate cell lines for therapeutic antibody production. The system cuts development time by six weeks compared with a previous version, Lonza said.

In two Phase III trials, Bayer's VEGF Trap-Eye drug, also called Eylea, met its primary endpoint in treating diabetic macular edema, the company said. The firm co-develops the medication with Regeneron, which plans to seek U.S. marketing approval this year for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

The European Commission granted Bavarian Nordic approval to market the third-generation smallpox vaccine Imvanex. The approval is a first for the Danish vaccine-maker. Imvanex, which is in late-stage development in the U.S., can be used by patients with HIV, atopic dermatitis and others with weakened immune systems.

Ensemble Therapeutics and Boehringer Ingelheim agreed to collaborate in the discovery and development of drugs against several disease targets using Ensemble's macrocycles collection and other drug discovery technologies. The deal entitles Ensemble to get as much as $186 million in milestone fees plus future sales royalties. Boehringer will get the exclusive rights to develop and sell the drugs arising from the partnership.